HERBAL MONOGRAPHS LYC1UM BERRIES (GO-QI-ZI) /487LYCIUM LEAVES
Not to be used during pregnancy.
DOSAGE
LYCIUM ROOT BARK
Mode of Administration: Whole, cut and powdered drug
preparations are administered internally and externally.Storage: Store in a dry place.LYCIUM LEAVES
Mode of Administration: Lycium leaf is administered as a tea
or as an infusion for use as a gargle.Daily Dosage: Drug/tea: 9 to 15 g or 6 to 12 g, depending on
the literature source. For Whooping Cough, 1 cup of teaLycium Berries (Go-Qi-Zi)
Lycium barbarum
DESCRfP^SlT ~
Medicinal Parts: ihe medicinal part is-the frait.Flower and Fruit: There are 1 to 3 axillary, radial flowers.
The calyx and petals are fused; the calyx is bilabial with the
upper lip double-toothed and the lower lip triple-toothed.
The corolla is funnel-shaped, light purple or violet with a 5-
lobed margin. There are 4 stamens, which are hairy at the
base. The ovary is 2-chambered with 1 style. The fruit is a
scarlet, elongate, sweet-tasting berry.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Lycium barbarum is a shrub,
growing up to 3 m high. The gray-green leaves are alternate,
lanceolate and gradually narrow to the petiole. The branches
are cane-like, initially upright, then hanging down bow-like
and often thorny.
Habitat: The shrub is indigenous to China and Mongolia.Production: Barbary wolfberry fruits are the dried ripe fruit
of Lycium barbarum. The fruit is harvested in summer or
autumn. The whole fruit, with stem attached, is dried in the
sun until the skin is hard and the fruit pulp is soft inside.
After drying, the fruit stem is removed.Other Names: Bastard Jasmine, Box Thorn, Common
Matrimony Vine, Prickly Box, Tea Plant, Barbary, Tea Tree
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Water-soluble polysaccharidesGlycoproteinsCarotinoids: particularly physalien (zeaxanthin dipalmitate)EFFECTS.
A possible immunostimulating and hypoglycemic effect has
been described, The plant contains a mydriatic acting
protein.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The drug is administered as a non-specific
strengthening agent, due to the minerals and vitamins. (particularly vitamin C) that it contains. Lycium barbarum is
also used as a purgative and diuretic.
Chinese Medicine: The plant is used to treat weakness of the
lumbar region and knee; liver and kidney disorders, diabetes,
tinnitus, impaired hearing, poor sight, anemia, coughs,
dizziness and excessive tear production.Indian Medicine: Lycium barbarum is used for ascitis,
anemia, menstruation disorders, toothache, scabies and
bleeding hemorrhoids.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Not to be used during pregnancy.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages.DOSAGE
Mode of Application: Whole, cut and powdered drug.Daily Dosage: Drug/tea: 6 to 12 g or 6 to 15 g, depending on
the literature source.Storage: Store in cool, dry place and in tightly sealed
container.LITERATURE
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Liu B, Effects of Lycium barbarum L and Drynaria fortunei, J
Smith on in vitro attachment and growth of human gingival
fibroblasts on root surfaces, Chung Hua Kou Chiang Hsueh Tsa
Chih, 27:159-61, 190, 1992 May.sipped throughout the day.
LITERATURE
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis. 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Kim HP, Kim SY, Lee EJ, Kim YC. Kim YC, Zeaxanthin
dipalmitate from Lycium chinense has hepatoprotective activity.
Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol, 97:301-14, 1997 Sep.
Kim SY, Choi YH, Huh H, Kim J. Kim YC, Lee HS, New
antihepatotoxic cerebroside from Lycium chinense fruits. J Nat
Prod, 60:274-6, 1997 Mar.